ZIONSVILLE, Ind. — After shooting 50 percent through his first four games — and nearly that well from 3-point range — Zionsville junior Isaiah Thompson knew he'd eventually encounter an off night.

It came last Saturday when he made 5 of 19 shots against Anderson. Yet the 2019 Purdue target considered the night a positive one, and not only because the Class 4A No. 7 Eagles won 83-57 to improve to 5-0.

Thompson also contributed five assists and six steals in the victory. The younger brother of current Boilermaker starting point guard P.J. Thompson endeavors to display a range of skills beyond his 22.6 points-per-game scoring average.

"I'm just trying to prove I can go out there and be an all-around good player," Thompson said. "A lot of people see me as a scorer, but I feel I can get my teammates involved and go out there and have confidence."

Only a junior, Thompson has time to fill out his current 6-0, 155-pound frame. Yet he's also clearly taken his strength and conditioning seriously with the help of his father, LaSalle Thompson. Zionsville coach Sean Busick said in addition to working out on his own, Thompson often requests to stay after practice and work on specific aspects of his game.

Purdue offered Thompson in September. Busick said coach Matt Painter was at Zionsville's walk-through last Friday. Butler is the other top suitor for Thompson right now and has offered. Indiana has kept in touch.

Isaiah Thompson said big brother isn't leaning on him to pick Purdue. He does, however, have great influence in other areas.

"He's such a good leader on and off the court," Isaiah Thompson said. "I try to emulate that. I'll watch how he talks to his guys and he's an overall good guy. When I come into college I want to be just that."

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Isaiah Thompson, Zionsville High School, a member of the IndyStar High School boys Super Team.
Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Dowuona delayed

Emmanuel Dowuona's senior season with Miami's Westwood Christian will have both a delayed start and an early ending.

The 6-11, 220-pound Purdue signee said Tuesday the school won an appeal of a Florida High School Athletic Association ruling that said he was not eligible to compete under Bylaw 9.5.1. That bylaw — a version of which is common in many states — limits athletes to a four-year period in which to complete their high school competition.

Dowuona grew up in Ghana, where he began his high school years academically, before enrolling at Westwood Christian three years ago. Westwood Christian coach Jose Amat could not be reached for comment. The FHSAA also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Dowuona said the new ruling allows him to compete until Jan. 17, at which time his senior season will be over. Westwood Christian plays Thursday against Providence School of Jacksonville.

Had the FHSAA denied the appeal, Dowuona could have pursued enrolling for the second semester and using a redshirt. Current Purdue freshman Matt Haarms did the same for eligibility related reasons last year. The FHSAA ruling does not appear to affect Dowuona's five-year NCAA eligibility window.

Dowuona also missed half of his sophomore season due to a stress fracture.

"I've faced some adversities in playing my high school seasons," Dowuona said. "It has been tough for me, but I think God works in mysterious ways."

Williams reportedly also collected 22 points, six assists, six steals and four blocks.

• Tindley guard Eric Hunter also had a big weekend, scoring 42 points on 16 of 22 shooting in a victory over Indiana Math & Science Academy. The 2018 signee followed up with 25 points in a 69-60 victory over traditionally strong Class 4A program Lawrence North.